Monday Is A Holiday, Go Yee And Mark Utamaduni

Interior cabinet secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has declared Monday, October 10 a public holiday to mark Utamaduni day. In a statement on Tuesday, the CS noted that the day will be used to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of Kenya to promote unity and economic progress.

“All citizens are reminded to honor the day by recognizing and celebrating the rich cultural diversity of Kenya in a manner that promotes our unity, national cohesion, and economic progress,” said the CS.

October 10 was previously known as Moi day. It was marked in honor of former president Daniel Moi after his coming to power following the death of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. Moi Day was however removed from the list of national holidays following the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.

The high court of Kenya on November 8, 2017, restored October 10 as a public holiday. Justice George Odunga in his ruling said the scrapping of the Moi Day holiday is illegal and was in contravention of the law.

“I declare that unless and until Parliament amends Schedule 1 of the said Act or the minister substitutes the same for another date, the 10th of October in each year shall continue being a Public Holiday,” Odunga said.

Justice George Odunga did not specify how the holiday should be celebrated leaving the matter to Parliament and the Interior Cabinet Secretary. On 8 October 2018 Cs Matiang’i announced the public holiday’s comeback and in December 2019, the cabinet approved the renaming of Moi day to Huduma day.

The day is presently remembered as a day of service to people. It is usually celebrated with activities that encourage community development. The Kenyan government led by the president uses the day to sensitize the public on the importance of sustainable development, from statewide prayer services to community development projects.